'Astrologer' couple dupes woman of Rs 1.5 lakh in Thane

Thane: A 51-year-old woman, who wanted her separated husband to return home, was allegedly duped of Rs 1.5 lakh in Thane by a couple practising astrology, on a promise that they would unite the two again, police said on Saturday.

According to PSI S D Gavte of Wagle Estate police station, the victim ran a shoe shop in Ambika Nagar locality of Wagle Estate. Her husband had deserted her some 12 years back and she desperately wanted him to return home.

After several efforts, when her husband did not come back, the accused couple--Lalit Mhatre and Subhangi Mhatre-- lured the woman into paying a sum of Rs 1.5 lakhs to them in November 2014 for performing a religious ritual, which would ensure his return.

However, after over a year, when nothing materialised the woman demanded a refund from the duo, following which she was threatened with dire consequences, her police complaint said.

Now, the absconding accused have been booked under section 420, 504, 506 rw 34 of the IPC and a hunt was on for them, police said.